Georgia State Charter Schools Excel in
2022-2023 Academic Performance | | |
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For the third year in a row, state charter schools academically outperform their traditional public school counterparts. Specifically, 85 percent (35 out of 41) of state charter schools performed better than the schools their students would otherwise attend in the 2022-23 school year, according to data released by the State Charter Schools Commission (SCSC). That number accounts for 95% (32,231 of 34,078) of all students enrolled in state charter schools in Georgia.
Notably, nine state charter schools outperformed across all academic measures:
- Academy for Classical Education
- Atlanta Unbound Academy
- Baconton Community Charter School
- DELTA STEAM Academy
- Genesis Innovation Academy for Boys
- International Academy of Smyrna
- Liberty Tech Charter School
- Resurgence Hall Charter School
- Yi Hwang Academy of Language Excellence
"The consistent success of our state charter schools is a clear indicator of the effectiveness of the educational opportunities they provide," said Donovan Head, Executive Director of the SCSC. "We are particularly proud that 95% of our state charter school students attend schools that outperform the district schools they would otherwise attend. These results affirm our commitment to fostering educational innovation and superior performance throughout all Georgia communities."
Please visit the SCSC School Accountability webpage for the more information and the full CPF 2023-24 report.
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State Charter Schools Commission Updates & Announcements | |
Replication Petition Cycle
The SCSC Board approved changes to the FY24 Replication Petition timeline at the April board meeting. The SCSC staff has also updated the Letter of Intent (LOI) submission process. View the updated timeline below and access the Letter of Intent form here.
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Start-Up Petition Cycle
The start-up petition application portal closed on March 15, 2024. Capacity interviews for petitioners whose applications meet requirements are scheduled to begin June 3, 2024.
Visit the Start a New School webpage for more information.
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FY24 Monitoring Feedback Survey
The SCSC Legal Division requests your feedback on the FY24 monitoring process. Please complete the FY24 Monitoring Feedback Survey by May 10, 2024.
The SCSC appreciates your feedback. Thank you!
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Georgia law, O.C.G.A. § 20-2-2084(f), requires every governing board member of a state charter school to participate in annual governing board training. Governing board members may attend one of the three governing board training opportunities provided by the SCSC at no charge to fulfill this obligation.
This year, in an effort to incorporate feedback regarding training delivery methods, the SCSC will provide Governance Training in two parts. Each board member must receive 12 hours of governance training annually. Operational schools may do that by attending either SCSC training or through an alternate provider. Pre-opening schools must complete governance training through the SCSC and may not use an alternate provider.
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SCSC-offered Governance Training | |
The SCSC In-Person Governance Training Sessions have concluded for FY24. Currently, the SCSC asynchronous, virtual sessions are still available to board members. Board members can choose to complete their remaining (6) governance training hours.
Please refer to the Virtual Sessions document for FY24 Virtual Governance Training Agenda and Registration Links.
Deadline to access and complete virtual sessions: April 30, 2024
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Alternate Governance Training
Board members who plan to do partial training or complete all training through an alternate training provider should review the “Alternate Governance Training - Required Sessions and Hours” document on the SCSC Governance Training page to make sure your alternate training follows SCSC requirements.
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Board members of newly approved and newly transferred state charter schools are required to attend SCSC governance training. Additionally, Pre-Opening schools must complete governance training through the SCSC and may not use an alternate provider until they become operational. | |
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Did You know?
Importance of May Enrollment Projection Submission
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Currently, the SCSC is collecting enrollment projections for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year (FY25) in the SCSC portal. The purpose of this is to finalize your school's initial FY25 funding allotments.
- New schools submit enrollment and teacher information for their opening year.
- Existing schools submit teacher information and projected enrollment if they are anticipating enrollment growth of 2% or more (e.g., adding grades, increased enrollment).
- In both cases, schools will submit enrollment information for only those students for which the school has verifiable evidence of enrollment. Schools will also submit Certified or Classified Personnel (CPI) information for their teachers to generate training and experience (T&E) funding.
This information will be compared to the FTE data collected in October 2024.
Funding generated by projected numbers for students and teachers submitted in May is not held harmless. This means if the school’s FTE count and/or CPI collected in October yields a lower allocation, the school’s funding allotment will be reduced to match the October data.
The reduction in funding includes funds already received at the start of the new fiscal year, which begins on July 1. The SCSC typically notifies schools in early December regarding the reduction. Allotment sheets are adjusted downwards beginning in December or January, and the reduction is carried through to the end of the fiscal year on June 30. This could result in a school receiving little or no funding for THE REMAINDER of the fiscal year.
It is very important for schools to submit their estimated student enrollment and teacher information conservatively during this collection period in May. Schools must also remember to monitor enrollment changes at the start of the new school year closely and adjust their budgets quickly if it appears that enrollment is lower than the projections submitted.
| Charter Amendment Request Page | | | |
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The Charter Amendment page of the SCSC website is designed to streamline the amendment and administrative clarification request process for state charter schools. It provides all the necessary information and the request form in one convenient location.
We encourage all schools to visit the page to understand the process.
Request a Charter Amendment
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Book Vending Machine
Congratulations to our new book vending machine grantees, Pataula Charter Academy and Furlow Charter School!
The SCSF Board voted to award these two state charter schools with a book vending machine along with 200 books selected by the school and custom tokens. These schools will make books available through the vending machine free of cost to students as a part of a reading/literacy or PBIS (positive behavioral interventions and supports) program. The SCSF looks forward to seeing how Pataula Charter Academy and Furlow Charter School will integrate these machines into their school communities.
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Art of Connection: Exhibition of Student Art
Congratulations to our winners from the 2024 Art of Connection: Exhibition of Student Art. The SCSF is excited to feature the sixteen winning submissions from state charter school students across Georgia. View the winners’ gallery here and the full participants’ gallery here. Winners are recognized on the SCSF website and social media pages. Thank you to all of our participants for their creativity and enthusiasm!
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A Night to Remember: Varsity Teams Shine at Braves Stadium | On April 12th, the varsity baseball teams from the Academy for Classical Education (ACE) and Baconton Community Charter School (Baconton) took to the field at Truist Park, home of the Atlanta Braves. The game showcased not just the athletic skills but also the sportsmanship and community spirit of our students. Playing on a major league field was an extraordinary opportunity provided by the Braves, emphasizing the impact of partnerships in enhancing educational experiences. The event drew a vibrant crowd, reinforcing the supportive networks that our charter schools cultivate. We are immensely grateful to the Atlanta Braves for this unforgettable experience, which highlighted the enriching opportunities our schools strive to provide. | |
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Baconton Charter and the Blazer baseball team are excited for the opportunity to play at Truist Park. For the first time ever, not just one, but two state charter schools have this opportunity. I have taken other schools in the past, and I wanted to provide this opportunity for Baconton to showcase their talent and hard work as well. Coach McLendon and I have been friends for several years now, and when I called him about our teams playing a game at Truist Park, he jumped at the opportunity to provide a great experience for his team as well. I would like to thank our superintendent, Missy Harrod, and the entire administration for their support of not only the school but also our athletics.
- Dusty Griffis, Baconton Varsity Baseball Coach
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The Atlanta Braves have been partnering with high schools for the past several seasons and have allowed schools the chance to play a game at Truist Park in exchange for selling tickets to future Braves games. As a head baseball coach, I felt that this was a once in a lifetime opportunity for our Scholar Athletes to be able to compete against a fellow Charter school in an incredible baseball venue. Coach Griffis, the AD and head baseball coach at Baconton, and I are friends and look forward to the chance to have our teams play one another at Truist. What an incredible and exciting opportunity this will be for both teams and we are looking forward to the competition!
At ACE, we are always looking for ways to provide our Scholars with experiences beyond the classroom and this will certainly be one that they will remember for many years to come!
- Coach McLendon, ACE Varsity Baseball Coach
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Georgia Department of Education Updates & Announcements | |
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Charter Local Education Agencies Webinar Series
GaDOE Office of Federal Programs is providing a webinar series targeting Charter Local Education Agencies (LEA) in their first three years of operation. However, all Charter LEAs are invited to attend. The webinar schedule is available below.
For more information, contact John Wight, john.wight@doe.k12.ga.us or Naquita Smith, naquita.smith@scsc.georgia.gov
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Professional Learning & Development Opportunity | |
Governor's School Leadership Academy
2024-2025 Cohort Application Now Open
The Governor’s School Leadership Academy (GSLA) provides a comprehensive and equitable system of support to build the capacity of Georgia educators and leaders.
GSLA Program Information
GSLA targets five levels of educational practice to support and develop educators in all phases of their careers – from induction to school and district leadership.
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Teacher Leader Support Program - Delivered through the RESA Network for teachers with five or more years of experience who are interested in leadership roles inside and outside the classroom.
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Induction Teacher Support Program - Delivered through the RESA Network for teachers in years 1-3 of practice.
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District Sustainability Program - Delivered through the RESA Network for districts/schools invited to participate.
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Principal Support Program - For principals who work in a district/school and are currently partnering with a GSLA-affiliated RESA.
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Aspiring Principal Program - Developed and facilitated by GSLA staff and includes educators who serve in a federally identified school or district with at least one federally identified school.
All applications are due May 31, 2024
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Reminder: 2024-2025 Georgia Data Collections Conference Attendee Name Submission
The Data Conference this year is scheduled to take place in Savannah, Georgia, from Wednesday, August 21, to Friday, August 23. In order to ensure state charter school's participation, The SCSC will cover the registration for two participants per school.
Please provide us with the names of the two participants from your school who will be attending the conference no later than May 1st, 5 PM.
Please contact Crystal Saldana, Office Coordinator at crystal.saldana@scsc.georgia.gov if you have any questions
Conference Info
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Georgia LitLink Conference for GA Teachers
Georgia LitLink is GA's first literacy conference dedicated solely to classroom teachers.
Date: June 4-5, 2024. Location: Gas South Convention Center. Event
Info & Registration
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GaDOE Federal Programs Conference
Teachers & Leaders Improving Outcomes for Georgia's Students
Date: June 11-13
Location: Georgia International Convention Center
Info & Registration
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K-5 Economic Education Expo
Date: June 11-12
Location: Georgia International Convention Center
Registration & $50 deposit deadline is May 17, 2024
Info & Registration
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Educator Technology Services & Resources via GaDOE Inspire
Information
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GaDOE Data Collections and Validation Open Office Hours
May 9, 10-11 AM
Full Calendar
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Title I, Part A: Office Hours
May 8, 9:30-10:30 AM
This is the last opportunity for FY24
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GaDOE Office of Whole Child Supports’ Mental Health Awareness Training (MHAT) Series
MHAT Resources for Educators
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DRC BEACON Early Years Informational Webinar for Classroom Planning & Guidance for Student Success
May 7, 10-11 AM
Event Brochure
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GaDOE's State Reporting System: Preparing for Parallel Year 2024-25
May 14, 10-11 AM
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ESOL Munch & Learn Series
May 1, 12-1 PM
This is the last opportunity for FY24
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GAEL Spring Webinar Series
What Every Building Leader Needs to Know About GA K-12 English Language Arts Standards
May 2 - Spotlight of Foundations and Language
June 6 - Spotlight on Practices and Text
Info & Registration
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Improving Outcomes for Federally Identified Schools Series
May 22 - Dec 11
Info & Registration
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New 2023-24 State Board of Education State-Funded List of K-8 Subjects & 9-12 Courses Guide
New GaDOE Curriculum & Instruction Guide
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2024 GaDOE Monthly Accountability Updates
3rd Wednesday of the month,
12-1 PM
Monthly Accountability Series: Info & Registration
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Superintendent Financial Management Training
Mar 7 - Dec 5
For dates & registration info, contact Amy Rowell - arowell@doe.k12.ga.us
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Lexile Certification Available at No Cost to Georgia Educators
Learn More
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Knowledge Building for Leaders:
Setting the Foundation for Structured Literacy Transformation
Free Training Workshops for PLCs sponsored by the Rollins Center for Language & Literacy in partnership with GaDOE.
Sep 2023 - Jun 2024
Info & Registration
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PLCs for Induction Level Leaders Focus: Leader Retention
Nov 2023 - May 2024
Info & Registration
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Parent and Family Engagement: Power Tips Virtual Chats
May 10, 10-11:30 AM
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Georgia RESAs & GaDOE Bimonthly Updates
Every other Wednesday, 9-10 AM
Info & Schedule
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GSAN Statewide Afterschool Network – LEA Summer Learning Series
Info & Registration
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McKinney-Vento Professional Development
May 16, 10-11 AM
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Let's Talk ELA, GA! Webinar Series
Virtual professional learning series to prepare for the implementation of Georgia’s K-12 English Language Arts Standards
Info & Registration
| | A private professional networking space to engage with other educators across the state. | | GA Learns houses more than 100 courses. New courses are added monthly, covering various topics that support professional growth and classroom instruction. | | The one-stop-shop site for Georgia educators to access educational resources, GA Standards of Excellence, data dashboards, professional learning and applications. | |
Funding & Engagement Programs | |
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GaDOE Competitive Grants
Periodically, funding is available for GaDOE to award to districts and schools in the form of competitive grants, solidifying this commitment to Georgia's students. In an effort to streamline communication and create a consistent application process, all competitive grant opportunities can now be accessed below.
GaDOE Grant Opportunities
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Georgia Parent Mentor Partnership Grant
The Georgia Parent Mentor Partnership Grant is intended to support engagement with families who have students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) by providing funds for parent mentors. An amount of $18,400 will be awarded to each LEA that applies for the grant and meets the qualifications of the grant application. All Georgia public LEAs are eligible to apply.
Applications Due: Apr 30, 5 PM
Grant Information
Application
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IDEA Capacity Building Grant
The IDEA Capacity Building Grant is intended to support students with disabilities by providing Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) and Georgia Network for Education and Therapeutic Services Support funds for supplemental or expanded activities directed towards literacy actions outlined in the Early Literacy Act (HB 538) and for the implementation of Georgia's K-12 English Language Arts Standards. A total of $8,000,000 will be awarded, with a maximum of $75,000 per LEA. All Georgia public LEAs are eligible to apply.
Application Due May 8, 5 PM
Grant Information
Application
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The State Charter Schools Commission of Georgia (SCSC) is a state-level, independent charter school authorizing entity. The SCSC has the power to approve or deny petitions for state charter schools and renew, nonrenew, or terminate state charter school contracts in accordance with Georgia law. | |
Copyright © 2023 State Charter Schools Commission of Georgia, All rights reserved. | | | | |
